HANDBOOK of MORAL THEOLOGY
by
Dominic M. Prummer, O.P.
Translated from the Latin by
REVEREND GERALD W. SHELTON, S.T.L.
Nihil Obstat : Rev D. Thomas H. Bird, S.T.D., Ph.D.
Censor Deputatus.
Impriatur:
* FRANCJSCUS
Archiepiscopus Birmingamiensis ,
Birmingamix, die as Decembris 1955.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
In the sphere of the practical sciences summaries are extremely useful, for it is characteristic of man that no matter how great his diligence in completing his studies he gradually forgets the knowledge he has laboured to acquire. Consequently repetition is so necessary that we may rightly regard it as the mother of his studies. However, the standard Manuals which are usually so diffuse are not very suitable for this purpose, which is more easily achieved by summaries whose clarity and brevity prevent such works from being either obscure or verbose. Thus there exists an eager demand for summaries of Moral Theology already published. I, myself, have received many and earnest requests to produce a summary of my own Manual of Moral Theology. It is in deference to such requests that I am now publishing this small book written some time ago which by following the same method presents in a nutshell the teaching contained in the larger work. It would seem unnecessary to state explicitly what is abundantly clear to everyone already — namely, that no cleric can acquire a sufficient knowledge of Moral Theology from this summary alone. For even when considering important questions, I have been obliged by the claim of brevity to treat of them less fully by omitting the various proofs, arguments and examples. My sole intention has been to produce an acceptable vade-mecum which might prove a faithful companion for the young cleric and help him to prepare easily for the necessary examinations, and which at the same time might provide a refresher course for the older priest — especially the confessor — in the doctrine studied in the schools in his earlier days and so essential for his everyday requirements.
With filial reverence I dedicate this work with all its virtues and failings to our father, St. Dominic, who seven hundred years ago, entered into the glory of Heaven after a life of apostolic labour.
Author.
Fribourg, Switzerland, August 4, the Feast of St. Dominic, 1921,
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Within the space of barely one year five thousand copies of our Vademecum have been sold, ample evidence of the pleasure which it gave and continues to give to many clerics. This is all the more noteworthy in view of the fact that there existed already many excellent works of a similar character written by men of outstanding repute. In this second edition, numbering ten thousand copies, I have tried to expand the teaching without increasing the overall size of the book. In the Appendix will be found two recent documents from the Roman Curia which seem useful for the priest’s ministry in the confessional. May God again favour the publication of our Vade-mecum with His protection, and may it prove a faithful guide to clerics both in learning and applying their Moral Theology.
Fribourg, Switzerland, January 6, 1923.
Author.
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION
In this fifth edition I have added the more important replies and declarations of recent date. Some of these could not be inserted in the text by reason of technical difficulties 1 ; hence their present position in the Appendix.
May God grant that this fifth edition redound to His glory and be of benefit to its readers.
Fr. Englebert M. Munch, O.P.
Berlin, October 27, the Feast of Christ the King, 1940.
For the sake of brevity the canons of the Code of Canon Law are indicated by the single letter “c”; for example (c. 100) refers to the hundredth canon of the Code of Canon Law.
1- In the present translation all these replies and declarations have been incorporated in the text.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Within the space of barely one year five thousand copies of our Vade-mecum have been sold, ample evidence of the pleasure which it gave and continues to give to many clerics. This is all the more noteworthy in view of the fact that there existed already many excellent works of a similar character written by men of outstanding repute. In this second edition, numbering ten thousand copies, I have tried to expand the teaching without increasing the overall size of the book. In the Appendix will be found two recent documents from the Roman Curia which seem useful for the priest’s ministry in the confessional. May God again favour the publication of our Vade-mecum with His protection, and may it prove a faithful guide to clerics both in learning and applying their Moral Theology.
Author.
Fribourg, Switzerland, January 6, 1923.
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION
In this fifth edition I have added the more important replies and declarations of recent date. Some of these could not be inserted in the text by reason of technical difficulties 1 ; hence their present position in the Appendix.
May God grant that this fifth edition redound to His glory and be of benefit to its readers.
Fr. Englebert M. Munch, O.P.
Berlin, October 27, the Feast of Christ the King, 1940.
For the sake of brevity the canons of the Code of Canon Law are indicated by the single letter “ c ” ; for example (c. 100) refers to the hundredth canon of the Code of Canon Law.
1 In the present translation all these replies and declarations have been incorporated in the text.
CONTENTS
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction to Moral Theology
Definition, Method, and Division of Moral Theology
PART ONE
TREATISE I – The Ultimate End of Man
Chapter I. Nature and Kinds of Human Acts
Chapter II. Internal Principles of the Human Act
Art. 1. Knowledge required for Human Acts
- 1. Attention
- 2. Definition and Kinds of Ignorance
- 3. The Influence of Ignorance and Inadvertence on Human Acts
- 1. Nature and Kinds of Voluntary Acts
- 2. Indirectly Voluntary Acts
- 3- Obstacles to the Voluntary Act
Chapter III. Morality of Human Acts
Art. 1. Nature and Kinds of Morality
Arr. 2. Principles or Sources of Morality
Chapter IV. Merit in Human Acts
Chapter I. Definition and Kinds of Law
Art. 1. The Author of Human Law
Art. 2. The Content of Human Law
Art. 3. The Subjects of Human Law
- 1 . Children and those below the Age of Puberty
- 2. The Legislator as Subject to his own Law
- 3. Strangers and Persons of no fixed abode as Subject to Local Law
Art. 4. Promulgation and Acceptance of Law
Art. 5. Obligation of Human Law
- 1. Cessation of Obligation through Impossibility
- 2. Cessation of Obligation through Dispensation
- 3. Cessation of Obligation through Privilege
- 4. Cessation of Law itself
- 5. Custom
Art. 9. Civil Law and its Obligations
Chapter I. Definition and Kinds of Conscience
Chapter II. The True Conscience and the False Conscience
Chapter III. The Lax Conscience
Chapter IV. The Perplexed Conscience and the Scrupulous Conscience
Chapter V. The Certain Conscience and the Doubting Conscience
Art. 1. The Certain Conscience
Art. 2. The Doubting Conscience
Chapter VI. Various Moral Systems
Chapter VII. The Education of Conscience
Chapter IV. Numerical Distinction of Sins
Chapter VIII. The Capital Sins
Chapter I. Nature and Kinds of Virtue
Chapter II. The Acquired Moral Virtues
Chapter III. The Infused Virtues
Theological Faith and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. Nature of Theological Faith
Chapter II. Necessity of Theological Faith
Art. 1. Necessity of Faith as a Means of Salvation
Art. 2. Necessity of Faith from Precept
Chapter III. Vices Contrary to Faith
$ 2. Attendance at non-Catholic Schools
Theological Hope and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. Nature of Theological Hope
Chapter II. Necessity of Theological Hope
Chapter III. Contrary Vices and Sins
Theological Charity and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. Charity towards God
Art. 1. Nature and Properties of Charity
Art. 3. Vices Contrary to Charity towards God
Chapter III. Charity to the Neighbour
Art. 1. Existence, Extent, and Order of the Precept of Charity to the Neighbour
Art. 2 . External Acts of Charity to the Neighbour
Art. 3. Sins Against Charity to the Neighbour
The Virtue of Prudence and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. The Virtue of Prudence
The Virtue of Justice and Contrary Vices
Rights and the Virtue of Justice
Chapter I. – Definition and Kinds of Rights
Chapter II. – Objects of Ownership
Chapter III. – Subjects of Ownership
Art. 1. Property Rights of the Married
Art. 2. Property Rights of Children
Art. 3. Property Rights of Clerics
The Virtue of Justice in Itself
Chapter I. Definition of Justice
Chapter II. The Parts of Justice
Chapter I. Injustice in General
Chapter II. Taking the Property of Another
Art. 1. Nature and Gravity of Theft in General
Art. 2. Particular Forms of Theft
Art. 1. Unjust Damage in General
Art. 2. Co-operation in Unjust Damage
- Capital Punishment
- Killing the Unjust Aggressor
- Duelling
- War
- Killing the Innocent
- Craniotomy
- Abortion
- I. Duties and Sins of Judges
- 2. Duties and Sins of Plaintiff and Prosecutor
- 3. Duties and Sins of Witnesses
- 4. Duties and Sins of Advocates
- 5. Duties and Sins of Defendants
- 1- Lies
- 2. Mental Reservation and Amphibology
- 3. The Violation of Secrets
- 4. Contumely
- 5. Defamation of Character
- 6. Rash Judgement
Chapter IV. Restitution, or. Reparation of Violated Rights
Art. 1. The Obligation of Restitution in General
Art. 2. Grounds of Restitution
Art. 3. The Manner and Circumstances of Restitution
Art. 4. Causes Excusing from Restitution
Chapter I. Contracts in General
Art. 1. Definition and Kinds of Contract
Art. 2. Requisites for Contract
Art. 3. The Effect or Obligation of Contract
Chapter II. Particular Contracts
- Gifts in General
- Gifts inter vivos and Gifts mortis causa
- Last Will and Testament
- Intestate Succession
Potential Parts of the Virtue of Justice
The Virtue of Religion — or the First Three Commandments of the Decalogue
Chapter I. The Nature of Religion
Chapter II. Acts of the Virtue of Religion
- I. Definition and Kinds of Prayer
- 2. The Object of Prayer
- 3. Necessity of Prayer
- 4. The Efficacy of Prayer and its Conditions
- 5. The Canonical Hours
- 1. Nature and Kinds of Vows
- 2. Subject of Vows
- 3. Matter of Vows
- 4. Obligation of Vows
- 5. Cessation of Vows through Internal Causes
- 6. Cessation of Vows through Annulment
- 7. Cessation of Vows (or their Obligation) through Dispensation
- 8. Cessation of Vows (or their Obligation) through Commutation
- I. Definition and Kinds of Oaths
- 2. Conditions Required for Validity and Lawfulness
- 3. Obligation of Oaths
- 4. Perjury: the Violation of an Oath
Art. 7. Sanctification of Sundays and Feasts
- 1. Nature, Origin, and Utility of Sanctifying Feast Days
- 2. The Precept of Hearing Mass
- 3. Prohibition of Servile Work
Chapter III. Vices Contrary to the Virtue of Religion
Art. 1. Superstition in General
Art. 6. Magnetism, Hypnotism, Spiritualism
The Virtues of Piety, Reverence and Obedience — the Fourth Commandment
Chapter IV. Piety, Reverence and Obedience as Practised by Parents Children, etc.
Virtues Related to Justice: Gratitude, Revenge, Politeness, Generosity, Epikeia
The Virtue of Fortitude and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. Definition of Fortitude
Chapter III. The Integral and Potential Parts of Fortitude
Chapter IV. Vices Contrary to Fortitude
The Virtue of Temperance and Contrary Vices
Chapter I. The Nature of Temperance
Chapter II. The Parts of Temperance in General
Chapter III. The Subjective Parts of Temperance and their Contrary Vices
Art. 1. Abstinence and Fasting
- I. Definition and Obligation of Abstinence and Fasting
- 2. Causes that Excuse from Abstinence and Fasting
Art. 2. The Vice Contrary to the Virtue of Abstinence — Gluttony
Art. 3. Sobriety and its Contrary Vice — Drunkenness
Art. 4. Chastity and Virginity
Art. 5. The Vice Contrary to Chastity — Impurity
- 1. Impurity in General
- 2. Internal Sins of Impurity
- 3. Unconsummated External Sins of Impurity
- 4. Natural Consummated Sins of Impurity
- 5. Unnatural Consummated Sins of Impurity
Chapter IV. Potential Parts of Temperance
The Sacraments in General and in Particular
Chapter I. Nature and Existence of the Sacraments
Chapter II. Number and Kinds of the Sacraments
Chapter III. Efficacy and Effects of the Sacraments
Chapter IV. The Institution of the Sacraments
Chapter V. The Minister of the Sacraments
Art. 1. The Minister himself: his Faith and State of Grace
Art. 2. The Attention and Intention of the Minister of the Sacraments
Art. 3. The Obligation of Administering and Refusing the Sacraments
Art. 4. Simulation and Pretence in Conferring the Sacraments
Chapter VI. The Recipient of the Sacraments
Chapter I. Nature, Institution, Kinds of Baptism
Chapter II. The Matter and Form of Baptism
Chapter III. The Effects of Baptism
Chapter IV. Necessity of Baptism
Chapter V. The Minister of Baptism
Chapter VI. The Subject of Baptism
Chapter VII. The Ceremonies of Baptism
Chapter I. Definition and Effects of Confirmation
Chapter II. The Matter and Form of Confirmation
Chapter III. The Minister and the Subject of Confirmation
Chapter IV. The Ceremonies of Confirmation
The Holy Eucharist as a Sacrament
Chapter I. Definition and Institution of the Holy Eucharist
Chapter II. The Matter and Form of the Holy Eucharist
Art. 1. The Matter of the Holy Eucharist
Art. 2. The Form of the Holy Eucharist
Chapter III. The Effects of the Holy Eucharist
Chapter IV. The Recipient of the Holy Eucharist
Art. I. The Person of the Recipient
Art. 2. Dispositions for the Reception of Holy Communion
Art. 3. Obligation of Receiving Holy Communion
Chapter V. The Minister of the Holy Eucharist
Art. 1. The Consecration and Administration of the Holy Eucharist
Art. 2. The Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament
The Holy Eucharist as a Sacrifice
Chapter I. Nature and Effects of the Sacrifice of the Mass
Art. 1. The Nature of the Sacrifice of the Mass
Art. 2. The Value, Effects and Fruits of the Mass
Art. 3. The Application of the Mass
Chapter II. The Obligation of Celebrating Mass
- Obligation Arising from the Priesthood
- Obligation Arising from the Pastoral Office
- Obligation Arising from Benefice
- Obligation Arising from Stipend Received
- Obligation Arising from Promise
- Obligation Arising from Obedience
Chapter III. Liturgical Requisites for the Celebration of Mass
Art. 1. The Time of Celebration
Art. 2. The Place of Celebration
Art. 4. The Rubrics of the Mass
Chapter I. The Nature of Penance
Art. 2. The Sacrament of Penance : its Nature and its Effects
Chapter 2. The Proximate Matter of the Sacrament
Art. 3. The Form of the Sacrament
Chapter 4. The Effects of the Sacrament …..
Art. II. The Subject of the Sacrament of Penance
- Contrition
- Nature. Kinds and Effects of Contrition in General
- Attrition
- Qualities of Contrition and Attrition
- The Purpose of Amendment
- Confession
- The Nature and Necessity of Confession
- The Qualities of Confession
- The Repetition of Confession
- The Sacramental Penance
- Definition and Necessity of Penance
- Acceptance, Fulfilment and Commutation of the Penance
III. The Minister of the Sacrament of Penance
- The Power of the Minister
- The Sacred Orders of the Minister, and Jurisdiction in General
- The Jurisdiction of Religious, and Jurisdiction for Confessions of Religious
- Restriction of Jurisdiction
- Absolution from Reserved Cases
- Duties and Obligations of the Confessor
Obligation of Correcting Errors
Errors affecting the Validity of the Sacrament
Errors affecting the Integrity of the Sacrament
Errors affecting the Duties of the Penitent
- Various Classes of Penitents
- Penitents who are in the Occasions of Sin
- Penitents who have contracted Habits of Sin
- The Recidivist
- Misuse of the Sacrament
- Enquiring the Name of an Accomplice
- Absolution of an Accomplice
- Solicitation
Ecclesiastical Penalties in General
Ecclesiastical Censures in General
Art. I. Definition and Kinds of Censure
Art. 2. The Author of Censures
Art. 3. The Subject of Censures
Art. 5. Causes which Excuse from Censure
Art. 6. Absolution from Censures
Chapter III. Particular Censures
Art. 4. Other Ecclesiastical Penalties
Chapter IV. Censures of the Present Day
Art. 1. Excommunications of the Present Day
- Sins which incur Excommunication Most Specially Reserved to the Holy See
- Sins which incur Excommunication Specially Reserved to the Holy See
III. Sins which incur Excommunication Simply Reserved to the Holy See
- Sins which incur Excommunication Reserved to the Ordinary
- Sins which incur Excommunication Not Reserved
Art. 2. Forms of Interdict of the Present Day
Art. 3. Forms of Suspension of the Present Day
III. Suspension Reserved to the Major Superior of a Religious Order
Chapter I. Indulgences in General
Chapter II. Conditions for Gaining Indulgences
Chapter III. Some Particular Indulgences
- Plenary Indulgence at Death
- Indulgence attached to the Papal Blessing
- Indulgence attached to a General Absolution
- Indulgence of a Privileged Altar
- Indulgences attached to Rosaries
- Indulgence of the Stations of the Cross
Chapter I. The Nature of Extreme Unction
Chapter II. The Effects of Extreme Unction
Chapter III. The Subject and the Minister of Extreme Unction
Chapter I. The Nature of Holy Orders
Art. 1. Definition and Effects of Holy Orders
Art. 2. The Matter and Form of Holy Orders
Chapter II. The Minister of Holy Orders
Art. 1. The Minister of Valid Ordination
Art. 2. The Minister of Lawful Ordination
Chapter III. The Subject of Holy Orders
Art. 1. Conditions required by Divine Law
Art. 2. Conditions required by Ecclesiastical Law
Chapter IV. Irregularities and Impediments
Art. 1. Irregularities in General
Art. 2. Particular Kinds of Irregularity
Art. 3. Impediments to Ordination
Appendix. Incidental Requirements for the Reception of Orders
Chapter I. Nature and Kinds of Marriage
Chapter II. Marriage as a Sacrament
Chapter III. The Properties of Marriage
Art. 1. The Unity and Indissolubility of Marriage
Chapter IV. The Benefits of Marriage
Chapter V. The Obligation of Marriage
Chapter VI. Preparation for Marriage
Art. 2. Preliminary Investigation and Publication of the Banns
Chapter VII. The External Celebration of Marriage
Art. I. The Valid and Lawful Celebration of Marriage in Ordinary Cases
Art. 2. The Valid and Lawful Celebration of Marriage in Extraordinary Cases
Art. 3 . The Rite of Celebration and the Registration of Marriage
Chapter VIII. Impediments to Marriage
Art. I. Definition and Kinds of Impediment
Art. 2. The Prohibitory Impediments
Art. 3. The Diriment Impediments
III. The Impediment of Abduction
VII. The Impediment of Disparity of Worship
VIII. The Impediments of Sacred Orders and of Religious Profession
XII. The Impediment of Public Propriety
XIII. The Impediment of Spiritual Relationship
XIV. The Impediment of Legal Relationship
Art. 4. Dispensation from Impediments
- 1. Definition and Kinds of Matrimonial Dispensation
- 2. The Power of Dispensation
- 3. Causes for Dispensation
- 4. The Petition Itself
- 5. The Granting of Dispensations
Art. 5. Rectification of Invalid Marriages
- 1. Rectification by Renewal of Consent
- 2. Rectification by Dispensation
- 3. Retrospective Convalidation (Sanatio in Radice)
Chapter IX. Civil Marriage and Divorce
INTRODUCTION TO MORAL THEOLOGY
- Definition of moral Theology. The words “Moral Theology’’ mean nothing more than the theological consideration of human behaviour, but as a science it may be defined: that part of Theology which by a series of practical judgements directs human acts towards their supernatural end under the guidance of revelation.
Moral Theology is a genuine science, because it derives its conclusions from principles of faith and reason ; it is a science which directs and not merely describes human acts. This direction is completely objective and is based on the formation of practical judgements; it is therefore to be distinguished from the subjective guidance of conscience. It has for its purpose the attainment by man of his supernatural end.
- Method. Three methods are used in this science:
- The scholastic or speculative method, which considers carefully the various moral truths, proving and defending them against their adversaries but without ignoring completely their practical application; 2. the casuistic method, which is chiefly concerned with passing judgement on individual moral cases; 3. the ascetical method, which has for its chief subject the practice of the virtues as the means of achieving Christian perfection. The best method is one which makes use of all three without sacrificing either clarity or brevity.
- Division. It is the duty of the moral theologian: 1. to pass judgement on all human acts in relation to man’s supernatural end; 2. to discuss the external means required for the attainment of this end. These means arc the graces of God bountifully bestowed on us chiefly through die sacraments. Hence moral Theology may be divided conveniently into two parts : 1. The Morality of Human Acts ; 2. The Sacraments. Accordingly the following represents a brief survey of this division of moral Theology : —
PART ONE
- Man’s ultimate end and his happiness.
- Human acts and the passions.
- Law.
- Conscience.
- Sin in general.
- Virtue in general.
- Faith and contrary vices.
- Hope and contrary vices.
- Charity and contrary vices.
- Prudence and contrary vices.
- Justice and contrary vices. An additional treatise on contracts.
- Fortitude and contrary vices.
- Temperance and contrary vices.
PART TWO
- The Sacraments in general and the Sacramentals.
- Baptism.
- Confirmation.
- Holy Eucharist.
- Penance, and an additional treatise on Censures and Indulgences.
- Extreme Unction.
- Holy Orders.
- Marriage.
